Volume 35, Issue 6

photo by Seketha Wonzer

Artistic/Musical Director Louise Lerch and Eastfield students who are a part of the campus' Center for Studies in American Musical Theatre perform a closing number. Scenes from popular Broadway Musicals, such as "Freddy My Love" from Grease were performed on Nov. 19 and 20 in Eastfield's Performance Hall.

Play
'Best of Broadway' cast performs for Eastfield audience
There was not an empty seat in the Performance Hall at Eastfield College on Nov. 19. On opening night, the campus' Center for Studies in American Musical Theatre debuted a musical revue entitled 'The Best of Broadway'. "My family and I always come out to all the plays that Eastfield College produces," said Regina McBride who was there with her two daughters, 6-year old Gabriella and 9-year-old Rachel. "We live in Mesquite and the paper always advertises them. We love them." (more)

Editorial
Eastfield needs to bring play productions back to full force; students benefit from culture, art
Recently, Eastfield students staged "The Best of Broadway" musical, much to the delight of their audience. Although Eastfield College funds musicals, it does not support student theater productions. That was cut from the budget beginning in the 2003-2004 school year. (more)

Campus Question
What are the benefits of having a theater program on campus?

Play Review
'Best of Broadway' cast entertains audience
The Eastfield College students gave an absolutely sensational performance of their musical production the 'Best of Broadway'. If you didn't take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity to experience some of Broadway's most famous revues, you missed out on a real treat. (more)

Funding
Automotive technology to share $3.5 million in funding, contributions
Eastfield College, along with two other local colleges, recently won over $837,400 in federal funding. They will also receive more than $2.7 million in contributions from Toyota Motor Sales USA and 20 local Toyota and Lexus dealerships to train 100 automotive students over the next two years. (more)

Helping the Needy
Gift/food holiday fund sets aside for needy employees
Eastfield Cares program provides donated gifts and/or food to full-time or limited full-time employees in need with children. Eastfield Upward Bound Information Specialist Sandy Hampton coordinates the program. (more)

Spring Registration
Returning students get firsthand dibs on spring courses
Currently enrolled Eastfield students got a jump start on enrolling by going through pre-advisement to plan their schedule for the next semester. (more)

Profile: Sue Byrd
Academic advisor Byrd joins GISD council
Eastfield's own Dr. Sue Byrd has been named to a Garland Independent School District (GISD) council. (more)

Art
Clay Guild offers art works for sale
Some people look at a clay pot and see just a pot, but talk to an artist and suddenly one sees the deep black color of the soup bowl or the creamy blends on the coffee cup. Recently the Eastfield Clay Guild that is in its first year of existence held a sale displaying their wares in the library. (more)

Campus Clubs
Eastfield has 31 clubs compared to 22 in 2003
Chess club makes right move
In the past semester the college has seen many new clubs form. Last year Eastfield only had 22 clubs, while this year there are 31 clubs. Two more clubs are filling out the necessary paperwork to be recognized as official clubs to bring the total number of clubs to 33. (more)

Film Review
Three ingredients make 'The Polar Express' worthwhile viewing
As a skeptical movie viewer, especially in the realms of animation, I had my doubts and expectations when I sat down to watch the new Christmas film The Polar Express. I'm happy to say that 30 minutes into the film, my doubts were dashed, and my expectations over-shadowed (in a good way). (more)